Geelong has named a 26 year old debutant for its Round 1 clash with St.Kilda on Saturday night at GMHBA Stadium, with Shaun Mannagh set to be the 1113^th AFL player to pull on the Hoops for the club.

Geelong v St.Kilda: Match Centre

The mature age recruit joined the Cats from Werribee with the 36th pick in the 2023 AFL National Draft, after a standout six goal performance landed him the Norm Goss Medal in the 2023 VFL Grand Final, despite playing in the losing side. 

In other news, Oliver Dempsey has earned his spot in the Round 1 team after strong form in the preseason, and is set to play his 8th game for the club, Jhye Clark will play game number 2 after a similarly strong summer, while fellow young gun Tanner Bruhn will line up for his 50th AFL game, named in the midfield alongside Clark and skipper, Patrick Dangerfield. 

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Forward of the ball, Tom Hawkins will line up for game 348, with fellow tall Jeremy Cameron named in a pocket, with livewires Brad Close, Tyson Stengle, Oliver Henry, and Dempsey in support. 

Jake Kolodjashnij, Tom Atkins, Zach Tuohy, Gryan Miers, and Mannagh round out the interchange, with Irishman Oisin Mullin, Shannon Neale, and Brandon Parfitt all named as emergencies. 

Jack Bowes was unavailable for Round 1 selection due to a calf complaint, with the club to have a better idea of his availability moving forward next week.

The Cats are expecting a bumper crowd to officially open the Joel Selwood Stand on Saturday night. Gates will open at 5.30pm and the first bounce will be at 7.30pm. For those that can't make it, the game will be broadcast on Channel 7, Kayo, and on K rock Football from 5pm.

Full Match Day Guide

Round 1
Geelong v St.Kilda
7.30pm, March, 16, 2024